Smart loading zone pilot launched in Philadelphia for delivery drivers

Anyone who’s driven down a bustling main street in a large city knows how difficult parking can be—especially for delivery drivers offloading product or equipment. A new pilot initiative that launched Monday in Philadelphia, Penn. aims to alleviate this challenge by giving drivers the ability to view availability of 21 designated curbside delivery spaces in real time and rent them on the fly if they’re open.

“Smart Loading Zones can provide a reliable and efficient way for delivery drivers to safely use the curb space,” said Akshay Malik, director of SmartCityPHL in a statement. “Additionally, they can help reduce unsafe and illegal parking in Philadelphia. This 6-month pilot will help the city explore cutting edge technologies that can improve the user experience for all curb users.”

There’s a $3 reservation fee for the new Smart, prorated up to one hour. Drivers can reserve a spot via the Pebble Driver App, the statement says. Within the app, drivers can view Smart Loading Zones on a map, reserve a space if they’re within 15 minutes away, navigate there via turn-by-turn directions, and pay using a preferred payment method. Commercial vehicles are only charged for the length of time they are stopped in the loading zone.

An explainer issued by the city notes that smart loading zones provide an efficient means for delivery drivers to safely load and unload items. They can also reduce unsafe and illegal parking.

Beyond streamlining these and other efficiencies, and making the city safer overall, the pilot is an opportunity for administrators to learn more about their city.

“The city doesn’t know how loading zones are used in Philadelphia and how many people need to use them,” said Mike Carroll, deputy managing director for transportation, infrastructure, and sustainability (OTIS). “This pilot aims to better understand the usage of loading zones so that the city can figure out ways to improve traffic safety and reduce congestion. Overall, the project aims to identify how loading zones play into the larger picture of Philadelphia’s traffic and streets usage.”

Signage dictates where exactly the spaces are located on the street. Drivers who park in Smart Loading Zones without a reservation will receive a ticket and are at risk of being towed, as all loading zones are tow-away zones.